Chevrolet Performance Expands Connect & Cruise Crate PowertrainLineup

Chevrolet Performance announced the expansion of its line of Connect & Cruise crate powertrain systems at the SEMA show in Las Vegas last week.

The new powertrain systems offer a pre-tuned version of the LS3, with either 480 or 525 horsepower, or the renowned 7.0 liter LS7 engine, both mated to a high strength 4L70E four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. Connect and Cruise crate powertrains are designed for retro-fit applications, and combine all electronic control modules, wiring harnesses and other key components under one part number for an easier installation. GM’s 5.3L engine, supercharged LSA and standard 420 horsepower LS3 are also available in Connect & Cruise form.

“No other manufacturer offers a comparable system, which takes the guesswork out of the powertrain portion of your project, allowing enthusiasts to get their vehicle assembled quicker and on the road faster.” said GM U.S. vice president of performance vehicles and motorsports, Jim Campbell, in a statement.

Chevrolet also announced the addition of a six-speed T56 Tremec manual transmission to the Connect & Cruise program. The transmission features high-strength parts taken from the TR6060 transmission used in the Camaro ZL1, as well as a shifter handle and shift knob. A separate kit is offered that sees the addition of the bell housing, clutch release bearing, LS7 clutch and pressure plate, and an LS7 flywheel.

Along with introducing a new line of COPO crate motors and more Connect and Cruise crate powertrain options at SEMA last week, Chevrolet Performance introduced the new ZZ50 small-block crate engine. The engine features a new version of the fast burn cylinder head design seen on the previous ZZ4 350 crate engine, which helps boost power from 385 to 400 horsepower.

GM says all new crate engines that feature the new fast burn cylinder head design benefit from increased torque at lower RPM’s, at least 300 lb-ft from 1, 500 RPM.

The same cylinder head design as found on the new ZZ5 350 will be included on the ZZ383 stoker crate engine, which increases power from 425 to 450 horsepower, and on the CT400 circle track racing engine.